Player Discussion Jake Virtanen, Pt. XXII: 'Tis no man — 'tis a relentless redemption machine

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WetcoastOrca

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Jun 3, 2011
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A year after Virtanen was drafted a number of people said that if he could turn into a 20 goal 20 assist third line player who played physically with decent defensive play that he'd be a useful player for the team.
Right now he is on pace for 19 goals and 42 points and has seen his production improve since he's been on a line with Rousell and Gaudette. Of course that line has only played together for two games and it appears so far that Rousell is the main catalyst for its success but on paper it looks like a fast physical line that could work well. So far he has also played fairly well defensively and the point total has been with only limited PP time.
But we've also seen in the past Virtanen go through stretches before where he plays well and then disappears. What are people's thoughts on Jake. Is he finally becoming the player people hoped he would be? Or is this just another good stretch?
 
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Pastor Of Muppetz

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Seems to be a streaky scorer...I think 20 goals is realistic..I don't see 20 assists though...Still has some consistency issues, but is coming along fine IMO.
 
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Mr. Canucklehead

Kitimat Canuck
Dec 14, 2002
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I think he’s finally arrived as a solid bottom six player - a legit NHLer.

The real question now is, does he peak as a 10-15 goal, 20-30 point third liner type, or does he add a bit more consistent offensive to his game and become a viable second line option?

Personally, I think something of a tweener like Chris Higgins is most likely. And that’s a valuable thing to have - although, of course, a disappointment considering his draft position.
 

VanJack

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Jul 11, 2014
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When the guy plays with burr up his saddle, he can be a very effective player. But then there's those lulls, where you have to check to lineup card to see if he even played.

Of course it hasn't helped that he's bounced from one line to another, and his ice-time has been all over the map. But even the most ardent Virtanen bashers would have to concede that he has improved 'year over year' The only question is whether he's hit his ceiling, or whether there's more to give.

But looking at that 2014 draft with the benefit of hindsight, you'd have to say it was pretty mediocre. Dylan Larkin and David Pastrnak might have been the best players in that entire draft, and they didn't go until 15th and 25th overall.
 

WetcoastOrca

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They need more utility from virtanen. He needs to get on the PK.
I agree. He's aggressive, strong and fast and could be an effective PK'er that could also chip in with some goals. I'm just not sure on his defensive awareness yet to play that role. But he should be starting to get some time on the PK to show whether he can grow his game in that area.
 

M2Beezy

Objective and Neutral Hockey Commentator
May 25, 2014
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I dont know how he picked up two assists yesterday, he was so invisible
 

Motte and Bailey

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Jun 21, 2017
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I will reserve my final judgement on Virtanen till after he gets some playoff games under his belt.
 

sting101

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Feb 8, 2012
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.50 ppg without a lick of PP time.

He's a driving force when he has jump. He just doesn't flourish when the expectancy is to produce.

Middle six talent with game breaking speed, causes a tremendous amount of turnovers and hurried ill timed passes when driven. Have a huge leash of love for this player but he needs to realize he's a veteran now and needs to be a player Travis and his linemates can rely on.

now lets
stone-cold-steve-austin-double-beer-smash-chug-beer-gifs.gif
 

bandwagonesque

I eat Kraft Dinner and I vote
Mar 5, 2014
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He's making noticeably quicker and smarter decisions in the offensive zone, which he really needs to do. He's also still invisible for stretches. It's clear to me he has more skill to uncover. He isn't a grinder and has never looked like one. The way up the lineup for him is effort, conditioning and creative play.
 

Canucks1096

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Feb 13, 2016
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Seems to be a streaky scorer...I think 20 goals is realistic..I don't see 20 assists though...Still has some consistency issues, but is coming along fine IMO.

Third line players don't get 20 goals, especially with no pp time. Highly doubt he has that many goals at even strength, Boeser might not even get 20 even strength goals
 

Canucks1096

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Feb 13, 2016
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If a team wants Virtanen and willing to take on most of Eriksson cap. I have no problem giving up Virtanen. I won't even think twice.
 
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Canucks1096

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Feb 13, 2016
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Friendly reminder, remember 8 goals in his first 20 games last year. Most thought he has arrived and will score 20 to 25 goals. You were wrong once and I think there is a good chance you will be wrong again.
 

F A N

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Aug 12, 2005
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There seems to be some chemistry between Gaudette, Roussel, and Virtanen. It would be nice to have that line stay intact for a bit.

I think that some players do well having a steady linemate. Gaudette and Virtanen have mostly been shuffled around without a steady linemate. That can be tough for young players still trying to figure out their place in the league. Tom Wilson spent years alongside Beagle before he got moved up the lineup and is now considered a top 6 player.
 

iceburg

Don't ask why
Aug 31, 2003
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Virtanen hasn’t turned a corner. The fans have turned a corner. Once people stop moaning about him not living up to the 6th overall position, they can see him for what he is - a fast, strong, middle six forward whose inconsistency keeps him on the third line more often than the second line.
 
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Pastor Of Muppetz

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Oct 1, 2017
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Virtanen hasn’t turned a corner. The fans have turned a corner. Once people stop moaning about him not living up to the 6th overall position, they can see him for what he is - a fast, strong, middle six forward who’s inconsistency keeps him on the third line more often than the second line.
6 points in the last 5 games ...but yeah, people are always going to moan about Jake Virtanen.
 
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VintageBure

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Jun 7, 2018
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In my opinion, he's gotten a little better every season. When he first came, he shouldn't have been in the NHL period... not much really needs to be said he should have been an extra forward. Last year he stopped being a liability in the dzone, but still failed to utilize his teammates, couldn't make crisp enough passes which really held back his play making. Now although consistency is sometimes a problem, he actually uses his speed more effectively and his decision making in ozone and neutral zone have definitely improved.
 
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Canuckle1970

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Mar 24, 2010
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He would benefit from playing with consistent linemates. Not all players are like JT Miller, who can be moved around the dial and still excel. It looked like he had decent chemistry with Gaudette and Roussel. Keep them together for awhile.
 

Love

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Feb 29, 2012
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He’s a really nice player. Easily our most under appreciated player. There’s tons of Pearson/Leivo apologists around here now that those two finally have had a couple good offensive games. The reality is Virtanen is better than both of them yet they get about x100 more PP time, way better linemates, and receive way less criticism.
 
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Diamonddog01

Diamond in the rough
Jul 18, 2007
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I always hope he will become a 20/20 guy and he always disappoints. That being said his decision making and offensive zone play has improved this year. He's stopping when he gains the zone and assessing his options as opposed to just skating in an firing a low percentage shot - it's a small thing but it is important.

He seems to improve incrementally every year which is encouraging. Perhaps a bit too slowly for many (including myself) and really struggles with consistency and effort levels at times but at the moment he looks good.
 
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